Frederick "Fred" Bleakley's Obituary
For those unable to attend Fred’s service in person, it will be available to view on the Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services YouTube channel. It will not be live-streamed, but you may watch it after the conclusion of the service. Please follow the link below
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqfOsJcuHsC-Mx36oG5hQA/videos?view_as=subscriber
Frederick “Fred” Bleakley, 64, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 9, 2025, while on vacation in St. Vincent celebrating his upcoming 65th birthday with his beloved wife, Ann.
To know Fred was to witness a man who lived life at a pace that defied ordinary limits. He worked hard, played hard, and loved harder still. While building one of West Michigan’s most respected workers’ compensation law practices, he somehow managed to coach all three of his children’s sports, attend every game and event, nurture a strong marriage, maintain lifelong friendships, and fill every day with energy, laughter, and purpose. Fred didn’t just live his 64 years – he filled them, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, joy, and connection that will endure for generations.
Born in Hillsdale, Michigan, Fred spent his early years in Grand Rapids after his parents completed their studies at the University of Michigan. He grew up attending Cascade Christian Church and graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 1978, where he was a three-sport athlete lettering in golf, basketball, and baseball, earning All-Conference honors in both golf and baseball.
He went on to attend Kalamazoo College, graduating in 1982 after earning seven varsity letters in baseball, football, and golf. A captain and MVP of the baseball team his senior year, Fred also won the conference golf meet as a freshman and was named All-MIAA in multiple sports. During college, he studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, where he learned Spanish by immersing himself in the local community – a reflection of his curiosity, adaptability, and genuine love of people.
Fred earned his Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School in 1985. While in law school, he met the love of his life, Ann, who was studying at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. They married on February 10, 1990, and built a life together rooted in love, laughter, and faith.
After graduating, Fred moved to Muskegon and began practicing law in 1986. In 1999, he founded Bleakley Law Offices, where he served his clients with unmatched dedication and compassion. Over nearly four decades, Fred built one of West Michigan’s leading workers’ compensation law practices – a firm defined by his grit, empathy, and pursuit of justice.
He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Michigan Association for Justice, and multiple sections of the State Bar of Michigan. He also served as a hearing panelist for the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, was inducted as a Fellow of the National College of Workers’ Compensation in 2011, and represented the National Football League Players Association’s Workers’ Compensation Panel. Known for his sharp intellect and even bigger heart, Fred devoted his career to helping others and took immense pride in serving the Muskegon community.
Outside the courtroom, faith was an essential part of Fred’s life. He was an active member of Community United Methodist Church, where he led Disciple Bible Study for many years and served on the Finance Board. His leadership, curiosity, and compassion inspired everyone who studied alongside him.
Fred’s impact extended well beyond his profession and his faith. He was deeply rooted in the Muskegon community, serving as President of the Muskegon Country Club for two years and as a proud member for 28. Thursdays at the club were sacred – his golf league was one of his great joys, and he prided himself on being one of the top golfers in his flight. He also served as President of the North Muskegon Sports Boosters, championing local athletics with the same enthusiasm he brought to his own children’s teams.
Fred was the definition of a family man. He coached Erick in baseball and football, Kristen in softball, and Marissa in life. He loved family vacations – especially skiing in Colorado or water skiing on the lake – and could never resist a good workout or a conversation by the fire. Summers were spent boating with Ann and the kids on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, often venturing out 100 feet deep just to jump in and swim. He played guitar and loved to sing John Denver songs surrounded by family and friends under a Michigan sunset.
Fred is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ann; his children Marissa (Brad) Greenhoe, Kristen Bleakley, and Erick (Lizzie) Bleakley; and his parents Frederick and Carole Bleakley of Clearwater, Florida. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Charlene) Bleakley; his sister Debbie (Todd) Hunter; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and friends who were blessed to know him.
Fred was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild, Briggs, due in December. His family takes comfort in knowing how excited he was to become a grandfather and how much love he already had for his grandson.
VISITATION will be from 4:00-6:00 PM Saturday, November 22, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 and from 10:00-11:00 AM Sunday, November 23, 2025 at The Lee Chapel with a MEMORIAL SERVICE to follow at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Muskegon Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to spend time with loved ones, share a good story, and watch the sunset – just as Fred would have wanted. You may also consider a donation to help support youth sports in the Greater Muskegon Community via the Fred and Ann Bleakley Fund c/o the Muskegon Community Foundation.
Fred was the heart of his family and a pillar of the Muskegon community. His kindness, humor, faith, and zest for life will live on through the countless lives he touched, and the many stories shared in his memory. Though he lived only 64 years, he loved and was loved by more people, more deeply, than most ever experience.
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